Flip flop dangers for drivers as hot weather returns

Drivers told of flip flop dangers this summer

Motorists have been warned of the dangers of wearing flip flops while behind the wheel this summer.

Road safety experts from Road Angel have told drivers to change their shoes before heading out on the roads as flip flops can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle and could even cause road accidents.

Flip flops, sliders or sandals are popular footwear in the summer months but the safety campaigners fear they can easily become tangled with pedals leading to potentially catastrophic consequences for drivers.

Although it’s not illegal to drive in these summer shoes, there can be serious repercussions for those doing so.

Flip flops, sliders or loose fitting sandals could get caught up in the pedals causing drivers to swerve, accidentally accelerate or brake harshly.

Loose fitting summer footwear is easy to remove throughout the warmer months but the lack of a secure back makes them unsuitable for driving.

This makes it easy for shoes to get tangled in the pedals, or slide off drivers feet with disastrous results.

Unintentionally hitting on the accelerator or brake pedal could lead to a sudden loss of control leading to a vehicle running into the back of you or accelerating into another vehicle or pedestrians.

Accidents resulting from wearing flimsy shoes could lead to dangerous driving charges – the penalties of which include hefty fines, points on licences and even driving bans.

The Highway Code also states that all drivers should have footwear which doesn’t prevent them from using the controls correctly – else risk a fine of up to £5000.

Gary Digva, founder of Road Angel said that all motorists should think about what shoes they’re wearing before getting behind the wheel this summer.

He said: “We urge all drivers to change their footwear into something more appropriate, such as trainers, rather than wearing loose, flimsy summer shoes.

“These shoes can easily cause drivers to lose control of the vehicle in an instant, as the footwear can easily get caught up in the pedals.

“As shoes such as flip flops don’t have a back, it’s easy for them to slide off your feet – potentially causing extremely dangerous situations.

“It’s easy to just slip some loose, lightweight shoes on whilst nipping to the shops or heading down to the beach this summer. But even driving a really short distance can cause life-changing accidents for yourself and other road users.

“Drivers may also be slapped with dangerous driving changes, as the Highway Code clearly advises all motorists to only wear shoes which do not prevent full control of the vehicle.

“Since so many of us are used to wearing loose footwear during the warmer months, it’s a good idea to keep a sturdy pair of shoes in the back of your car to change into before setting off.

“All motorists need to stay safe this summer and not take the risk of wearing flimsy shoes like flip flops, even when driving a very short distance.”

To find out more about driving safely this summer, please visit https://www.roadangelgroup.com/.